Meet Our Team

Our expert leadership and faculty members are dedicated to nurturing and educating each and every child’s curious mind.

Leadership
Teachers

Ilysa Winick

Founder & Head of School
Ilysa is the visionary founder of Reade Street Prep. Her passion for education was sparked when she was pregnant with her first son, Benjamin, and she began exploring the educational landscape of downtown preschools. Her vision was to build an academically-driven and globally focused school with a playful environment where children could be inspired to learn and challenged to succeed. Ilysa left her career as a derivative trader to embark on an incredible journey that would evolve into Reade Street Prep. Today, she lives in Tribeca, NYC with her two sons, Benjamin (class of 2014) and Ryan (class of 2017). She is extraordinarily passionate about early childhood education, and incredibly proud of her contribution to her children and her community.

Alana Desmangles

Director
Alana joined RSP in 2018 as Assistant Director and became Director in 2020. With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education from Syracuse University and a Master's in the Literacy Specialist program at Teachers College, Alana spent seven years teaching at PS 234 and PS 340 before joining the Admin team at RSP. Spending the last decade plus in Tribeca, Alana truly values the community and works hard to ensure every student, parent, and staff member who walks through the door feels like family. Alana is thrilled for another incredible year of watching children grow, learn, and thrive at RSP! 

Kristina Cuevas

Education Director
Kristina has been a teacher at Reade Street Prep since 2014 and is ecstatic to be part of the Administration team as Education Director! Before moving to New York, Kristina earned a Bachelor of Arts in English for Elementary Education and worked as a first grade English teacher in her native island of Puerto Rico. Once in New York, Kristina pursued higher education and earned a Master of Sciences in Early Childhood Education. Kristina is a strong believer that young minds have no limits in exploring, learning, and creating. With 12 years in the classroom, and 10 of them being at RSP, Kristina is eager to use her experience to help support teachers and students alike.

Brooke Mure

Human Resources Director and Parent Coordinator
Brooke joined Reade Street Prep as its first full-time employee in 2010 after earning dual Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from New York University. She developed and taught the curriculum for the Explorers program for seven years and contributed to the school's educational and enrichment philosophy. She joined the Admin team in 2018 as Human Resources Director and Parent Coordinator. Brooke believes in the school's mission of achieving a balance between academic and social readiness. Brooke is a proud mother of two children, RJ an RSP graduate (class of 2023), and Blake, a second year Explorer and future RSP grad (class of 2026).

Molly Marion

Admissions Director
Molly has been part of the Reade Street Prep administrative team since 2017. Molly obtained an M. Ed. at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. During her time in the Boston area, Molly taught at an esteemed Montessori preschool in downtown Boston. Looking to expand her educational scope, Molly earned a kindergarten teaching position at an acclaimed charter school in Brownsville, Brooklyn, where she taught for 3 years. Still eager to develop her understanding of what makes an excellent school, she looked to Reade Street Prep for an administrative role where she could work in the education field outside of the classroom. Molly is passionate about being and developing lifelong learners. She continues to love her work and experience at RSP!

Chloe DeJohn

Administrative Associate

Chloe is thrilled to be returning to Reade Street Prep as an Administrative Associate! She currently holds a Master’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Touro University. After interning at a middle school after undergrad at Binghamton University, Chloe decided to continue her love of education and obtained a teaching position at an acclaimed charter school in Brooklyn where she taught for the last three years. One of Chloe's favorite things is building connections with each child and watching them grow a love for learning, as well as increasing their confidence in their abilities. Chloe looks forward to a great year and is eager about the opportunity to collaborate and support the families, children, teachers, and administrators at Reade Street Prep! 

Lisa Aedo

Associate Teacher
Lisa is very excited to join the team and start her first year with Reade Street Prep! Lisa started working as a volunteer Spanish Teacher in a public school in Manhattan in 2024/2025. Lisa is native to the Republic of Chile, she graduated from Adventist University in 2021, holds a bachelor’s degree in English as a second language teacher. After she graduated, she followed her dreams and moved to New York to work in a summer camp as a camp counselor in 2022. She realized that she loved teaching children Spanish and stayed in NY. Lisa has always loved working with children and enjoys learning from their daily adventures. She is so happy to be a part of the Reade Street Prep family!

Megan Alexander

Lead Teacher
Megan has been part of the Reade Street Prep teaching team since 2022! Megan graduated from Lafayette College with a double major in Economics and Art and also studied abroad in Rome, Italy. Upon graduation, Megan moved to NYC and worked in the fast-paced world of fashion until she discovered her true passion for education. For 10+ years, Megan was an assistant art teacher supporting the Artist-in-Residence at an uptown elementary public school. In addition, Megan was a lead content creator for a renowned EdTech literacy platform located in NYC that is dedicated to turning students everywhere into readers. Megan is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education at Mercy University. Megan lives in Manhattan with her husband and two children.

Liza Bonomi

Assistant Teacher
Liza is excited to join the Reade Street Prep community for the 2025–26 school year. A lifelong New Yorker, she attended NYC public schools from kindergarten through high school, including PS 234, and recently graduated from Barnard College where she studied Psychology and Spanish. She has applied her Spanish skills while working with children in both school-based settings and developmental psychology research. Liza is passionate about the intersections of language, psychology, and education and takes an individualized approach to supporting each child’s social, emotional, and academic growth. She looks forward to collaborating with the RSPrep team and contributing to a classroom where every child’s unique strengths and needs are recognized and celebrated.

Anna Cammack

Associate Teacher
Anna is thrilled to join the Reade Street Prep team this fall for the 2025–2026 school year in the Explorers Room! She moved to New York City three years ago from Dallas after graduating from the University of North Texas, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Pre-K and Elementary settings. She also holds a supplemental certification in English as a Second Language and holds a New York State certifications in Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) and Childhood Education (Grades 1–6). Over the past two years, she has worked with children ages 18 months to 3 years, both as an assistant and lead teacher, in classrooms inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. As an educator, Anna strives to create a safe, nurturing environment where all children can grow into confident individuals through hands-on play and exploration. She is excited to guide young learners as they explore the natural curiosities of the world around them and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.

Leslie Castillo

Assistant Teacher
Leslie has been part of the Reade Street Prep team since 2022, but has been part of the extended Reade Street Prep family as a nanny to Ilysa's children starting in 2017. Leslie was in pursuit of a nursing degree when she discovered her passion was working with children. While nannying, Leslie would always volunteer to help wherever needed at RSP and soon became an integral part of the team, helping support in classrooms and manage nap and lunch each day. She also found a natural fit in the Spanish classrooms as Spanish was her first language! Leslie is now pursuing a degree in education to further develop her skill set and career path.

Guillermina Cielo

Associate Teacher
Guillermina (Mina) is honored to return to Reade Street Prep as an associate teacher! Originally from Mexico, she arrived to the United States at a young age and understood the true value of proper education. She’s been working alongside children ages 0-6 for the last 4 years. Children are natural eager learners and seeing the magic in a child’s eyes when they’ve mastered new skills is such a rewarding experience for Mina. She believes with the proper guidance, every child can excel. Mina hopes to continue to build trusting relationships and foster a loving and nurturing environment for all of her students. She can’t wait to have an amazing school year with all her new friends and families.

Fernanda Clark

Assistant Teacher
Fernanda is thrilled to join Reade Street Prep this year as an assistant teacher! She is originally from Ecuador, and holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, where her passion for education began while pursuing her degree. She became fascinated by child development and the unique ways children grow and learn at different ages. This became the foundation for her future in education. After moving to the United States in 2021, Fernanda began working closely with children in various settings. These experiences helped her realize that teaching is her true calling. She is now pursuing her second degree to become a Spanish teacher, with a mission to share her native language and roots through meaningful cultural lessons. Fernanda is committed to supporting student success and contributing to a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

Layla DeLuca

Lead Teacher
Layla has been a Lead Discoverers Teacher at Reade Street Prep since 2021. Layla holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education, from SUNY Buffalo State College and earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Fredonia. While obtaining her masters degree in Buffalo, Layla worked as a kindergarten special education teacher. Layla is committed to individualizing instruction to each learner in order to reach every student and their needs. While prioritizing developmentally appropriate instruction, Layla strives to make education a fun, engaging, and enjoyable experience. Layla helps children meet their fullest potential by providing a safe, risk-taking, and welcoming environment. Her goal is to create continuous learners who take pride in their education! She is looking forward to an amazing year at Reade Street Prep!

Alexandra Fine

Child Development Specialist
Ali is ecstatic to be joining the RSP team and contributing to such a supportive and inspiring community. Ali earned her Master's degree in Developmental Disabilities and Applied Behavior Analysis from Columbia University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and is dual certified in both areas, Birth through Grade 2.
Ali has lived in New York City for the past eight years and has worked with children and families in both school and home settings. She loves helping young children discover new skills, gain confidence, and express their unique personalities. In addition to her direct work with children, Ali is passionate about coaching caregivers and teachers on effective strategies to support learning and development. She strives to create warm, supportive environments where every child feels valued, understood, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Estephanie Garcia

Associate Teacher
Estephanie is thrilled to join Reade Street Prep for her first year as a Spanish Associate Teacher. She holds a bachelor's degree in International Studies from Manhattanville University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Hunter College. Estephanie brings over a year of experience as a lead preschool teacher, and her passion for working with young children began long before that, through summer camps, babysitting, and hands-on learning experiences. After college, she followed her calling to become an educator and has loved it ever since. She believes deeply in meeting each child where they are and supporting their individual growth. For Estephanie, teaching is more than a job, it's a meaningful opportunity to spark curiosity, build a sense of belonging, and watch children thrive. Estephanie is excited to be part of the Reade Street Prep community and is looking forward to a year full of growth and meaningful experiences.

Quinn Greene

Associate Teacher
Quinn joined the Reade Street Prep team in 2021. Quinn graduated in the spring of 2021 from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A in Sociology and minor in Educational Studies. Quinn has previously worked in childcare with experience in culturally responsive literacy enrichment and after school care in Santa Barbara, and nannying upon her move to New York City. She has studied early childhood and primary education extensively in her research work discussing curriculum design and the rejection of deficit thinking in progressive education. Her love for primary education and enthusiastic students drives her passion for child and student development and working in classrooms. Quinn is currently enrolled in a masters program at Hunter College and looking forward to continuing to enhance her early childhood practice.

Annette Hernandez

Associate Teacher
Annette is thrilled to join Reade Street Prep for her first year as an English Associate Teacher. Originally from South Texas, Annette moved to NYC to pursue her education, graduating from Baruch College with a BBA in Human Resource Management and a minor in Psychology. For 11 years, Annette has worked with students, predominately ages 2 - 5 years, in Washington Heights, Westchester, and the UES.  She finds joy in watching children’s curiosity grow and feels it is rewarding to help students build their confidence as they learn throughout the school year. Annette is eager to join the Reade Street Prep community and contribute to the growth and development of its students. In her free time, she enjoys road trips and family game night with her husband and 3 boys. 

Jess Jonas

Lead Teacher
Jess joined Reade Street Prep as an Explorers Teacher in 2023. After receiving her B.S. in Environmental Science and Health from the University of Vermont, Jess found her true passion to help guide, empower and teach young minds. She then graduated with an MSEd dual Childhood and Special Education degree from CUNY Hunter College and holds a New York State teaching certificate for students with and without disabilities. Jess has worked in classrooms ranging in abilities and ages (2 to 10-year-olds). She enjoys nurturing relationships with her students while building a community within her classroom. With extensive experience in special education classrooms and teaching students with learning challenges, she specializes in creating individualized learning experiences for students who approach learning and growing in unique ways. She is excited to continue her journey at Reade Street Prep and get to know each of her student’s unique ways of viewing the world. Together with the fantastic Reade Street Prep community, she looks forward to ensuring educational, emotional, and social success!

Doris Kong

Lead Teacher
Doris joined the Reade Street Prep community in 2023. She completed her undergraduate studies and earned a master's degree in Early Childhood Education at NYU and a second master's in Childhood Education from Hunter College. Doris holds a New York State teaching certificate in Birth - Grade 2 and Grade 1 - 6. Prior to starting at RSP, Doris was teaching Pre-K at Columbia Grammar & Prep School, Kuei Luck Early Childhood Center, and Camp Léman. Doris enjoys working with this age group because young children are curious about the world around them, and they soak up new information like sponges. She believes that early childhood is an important time to build a solid foundation of academic, social, and life skills. She finds it rewarding to witness how much growth every student goes through each year.

Valeria Llaneza

Assistant Teacher
 Valeria is an Argentinean-born performer currently residing in New York City. Fluent in both English and Spanish, her passion, inspiration, and motivation have driven her to pursue a career in the performing arts. She earned a BFA in Dramatic Arts and an Actor Teaching Degree from Universidad del Salvador in Capital Federal, Buenos Aires. Following graduation, she furthered her training by obtaining a Musical Theatre Degree from AMDA New York (The American Musical and Dramatic Academy). Throughout her artistic journey, Valeria’s hunger for knowledge and determination to translate information into action have been key to her success. She has worked as a leading performer in numerous productions held at some of the world’s most renowned art venues and festivals in the United States and Argentina.
In addition to her performance career, Valeria finds great joy in working with children, a passion she has had throughout her life. She loves how curious and full of energy they are and is inspired by their enthusiasm for learning and exploring new things each day. Valeria loves to create magic within their unique and free world, where anything is possible and believable. As she believes, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Kristen Manning

Lead Teacher
Kristen has been part of the Reade Street Prep teaching team since 2018. Kristen graduated from The University at Buffalo with a Bachelors degree in Health and Human Services with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. She is planning to further her education and begin working towards her Master’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. Kristen has always had a passion for working with children and knew she wanted to become a teacher. She believes that one of the greatest parts of being an educator is making an impact on the lives of students each day. Kristen believes that students learn best when they feel welcomed, comfortable, and safe so she aims to create an joyful learning environment where her students feel safe to explore, initiate learning, and feel free to express themselves. Kristen hopes that students in her class build a strong, lifelong love of learning. She is looking forward to another amazing year at Reade Street Prep!

Dani Martinez

Music Teacher
Dani is a multi-instrumentalist, film composer, songwriter, and dedicated music educator hailing from East Brunswick, New Jersey. As early as she can remember, Dani found herself drawn to the piano and its endless storytelling possibilities. Years later, Dani officially began writing original music and found her passion within the fields of film composition and music education. In addition to teaching private music lessons, Dani specializes in early childhood music education and has taught at esteemed programs throughout NYC. She is currently earning her Masters of Music in Screen Scoring at NYU Steinhardt. Dani is committed to providing every student with an enthusiastic and encouraging musical environment, where they can feel free to experiment musically and learn foundational creative skills. She believes that every student, no matter how young, has a creative voice and a story to tell through their music. Dani cannot wait to continue fostering this dream, now within the brilliant young minds at Reade Street Prep!

Cindy Ortiz

Lead Teacher
Cindy joined the Reade Street Prep team in 2019 and  holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Bilingual and Special Education from Brooklyn College. Cindy has a genuine love for teaching and believes that learning should be a joyful adventure. Cindy strives to create a warm and engaging environment where students can explore the Spanish language through hands-on activities. Movement is at the heart of her classroom, allowing students to connect with the material in fun and active ways. She understands that every child has different strengths and weaknesses in their learning process. Therefore, she is devoted to having differentiated instruction in the classroom with a variety of opportunities for the children to achieve their goals. Cindy looks forward to another wonderful year filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments together!

Guillermina Rodriquez

Lead Teacher
Guillermina started at Reade Street Prep in 2022. Born in the Dominican Republic, Gigi came to the United States when she was 4 years old and has lived here ever since. She has degrees in public health and child development. Gigi has worked with preschool age children in various schools since 2014 and has also worked with other age groups, but she loves being a teacher and spending time with the little ones! Her favorite part of being a teacher is learning together and sharing joyful moments with her class. She is so happy and excited to continue her journey with the Reade Street Prep family!

Maya Rubio

Associate Teacher
Maya is over the moon to return to RSP as an Associate Explorers Teacher! She was born in Augusta, Georgia and grew up with a passion for all things theatre. She attended Emerson College and studied the business of creative enterprises and art history. After graduating, she started working in after-school programs, assistant directing musicals like Annie and Matilda and leading drama, music, and relaxation clubs. She also began independently organizing art exhibitions and workshops, which she continues to do now. Maya is guided by her love for creative learning spaces, and she is so excited to make special memories with everyone at Reade Street Prep this year.

Kennedy Slater

Lead Teacher

Kennedy is thrilled to be a part of the Reade Street Prep community. She brings over two and a half years of classroom experience, primarily working in early childhood education. Kennedy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Fairfield University and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from Molloy University. She continues to grow as an educator through hands-on experience and professional development. Her passion lies in nurturing young learners as they explore, grow, and develop a love of learning during their most formative years. She is especially drawn to the joy and curiosity that preschoolers bring to the classroom each day. Kennedy strives to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, celebrated, and supported. This school year, she looks forward to building strong connections with students and families, fostering independence and kindness, and watching her students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Johanna Vergel

Lead Teacher
Johanna (JV) started working at Reade Street Prep as an Associate Teacher in the Preschool Prep and Explorers classroom in 2015, and she became a Head Teacher in 2020. Johanna is native to the Republic of Colombia. In Colombia, Johanna worked in various schools with children ages 2–10 years old. She graduated from Colombia University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education with minors in Spanish, English, and Humanities. After her graduation, JV moved to New York and studied English as a second language at Columbia University’s Teachers College where she earned a master's degree in education. Johanna has always loved working with children and enjoys learning from their daily adventures. She is thrilled to continue being part of the Reade Street Prep community.

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